Prime Minister Shehbaz is pushing for renewable energy sources to meet future demands

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday stressed the need to pursue renewable energy sources to meet future demands and directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy.

“Generation of power through hydro, solar, biogas and other renewable sources will further reduce production costs and positively impact economic growth,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said while chairing a meeting to review reform measures in the power sector.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Prime Minister reiterated the need to pursue renewable energy sources to meet future demands. He stressed that these efforts would also reduce dependence on imported fuel and stated that no leniency would be shown to those involved in power theft.

“The transformers in areas with a high level of power theft must be equipped with smart meters as soon as possible,” he said.

The statement added that the Prime Minister directed that departmental action be ensured against companies that have recently violated the ‘Economic Merit Order’.

The premier stated that steps should be taken to make the electricity market competitive in the country.

The statement said the prime minister directed the expedited supply of 400 megawatts of electricity to the private sector through the first phase of the Wheeling System.

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According to the PMO, during the briefing, it was informed that due to effective measures taken by electricity distribution companies, power theft, non-payment and other losses were significantly reduced.

“The loss of electricity distribution has come down from 18.3% in June 2024 to 15.3% in March 2026. Electricity bill recovery has also improved and increased to 96.46% in March 2026 compared to 90% in June 2024,” it said.

The meeting was also briefed on the ongoing efforts to involve the private sector in three electricity distribution companies, with the tendering process expected to be completed by November 2026.

Among those present were Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Oil Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Privatization Advisor Muhammad Ali, State Finance Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials from relevant departments.